One Battle After Another

The film kept my attention and I genuinely enjoyed watching it, but I walked away feeling like something was missing. I'm still not sure why critics are so ecstatic about it - it's a solid piece of work, just not exceptional in the way the reviews suggest. I don't regret the time spent, yet I don't feel any desire to rewatch it either.

Props to writer / director Paul Thomas Anderson for blending "The Big Lebowski" & "Sicario" into the darkly humorous, quietly epic actioner "One Battle After Another". 16yrs after being part of a domestic terrorist group (with Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, & others) stoner Leonardo Di Caprio (so good again) lives off-grid with Chase Infiniti (his daughter by Taylor)... til the past comes for them via manic army Col Sean Penn (excellent). Cue reasonably twisty chase & shoot 'em up action, with characters like Benicio Del Toro (also great), white supremacist politicians, and plot holes aplenty (excusable as they keep Anderson's terrific pace flowing). Not flawless, but still thumping entertainment.

The movie "One Battle After Another", in summary, is about a former revolutionary on a mission to save his missing daughter. Directed and co-written by Paul Thomas Anderson, it's a thrilling political action flick that really shows off, once again, his talent for both writing and directing. However, the movie isn't consistent in its construction; at times it's unconvincing, and other times it feels unfocused. More than once, I had the same reaction I did with last year's "Emilia Pérez": a wildly original story that often seems to jump around without much logic, where anything can happen.

The whole movie basically belongs to Sean Penn as Col. Lockjaw. He totally steals the show with a character who's creepy, unhinged, and downright disturbing.

Like "Emilia Pérez", it's one of those stories you're either into from the start or you just don't care about at all.

Battle after another is a solid film with a lot of strong points. It's generally warm and even has a bit of light raunchiness at the start, yet it keeps you engaged. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance is outstanding-he plays an ordinary guy thrown into tough situations with incredible sincerity and conviction. Benicio Del Toro, though in a smaller role, adds charisma as well. The female characters, unfortunately, feel pretty shallow and lack depth.

The plot is simple but enjoyable, though there are minor logical gaps. The main downside is the antagonists: some feel too overpowered, while others seem weak, and the motives of many minor villains remain unclear. At times, their actions come off as clichéd, which slightly reduces the dramatic tension.

Overall, the film works really well-it's fresh, engaging, and visually impressive. It reminded me of Fargo, both the film and the series. If you like Leonardo DiCaprio or the Coen brothers, this movie is definitely worth watching.

Went to see the movie because of the cast, but the promise, the delivery, and the highly confusing message was disappointing. No coherence anything at all, ended up walking out before the end.

-The movie seems to glorify revolution but "not really" and for no apparent reasons.

Would not recommend.